March 28, 2024

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate Nature!

December Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Posted

Take a break from the holiday rush and enjoy some time in nature this season! Bundle up and enjoy an evening owl prowl, bring a friend to make a festive holiday wreath, or join a winter birding walk.

Masks are required during Audubon indoor programs and van trips for those who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19, including children.

Visit the events calendar at www.asri.org to register for programs.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2022; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Owling at Fisherville Brook
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
December 3, 2021 & January 21, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
In a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon's live owls and review what makes these birds so special. Then head out on the trails in search of these amazing birds in their natural habitat. Fisherville is home to Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech-Owls. Pre-registration is a must. Dress warmly, meet in the Nature Center and bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Audubon Holiday Craft Fair
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 4, 2021; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
With local vendors selling a variety of nature and wildlife related wares, you are sure to find perfect gifts for the nature enthusiasts on your list. Jewelry, photography, ornaments, stationery and other locally made treats are just a few items to choose from. Be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win one of the handcrafted items donated by our artisans. Face masks will be required for all vendors and visitors regardless of vaccination status.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI. Free.

Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 4, 2021; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
Reptiles in Winter
10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Take-home craft bags
10:00 am – Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:00 pm – Animal Interview
1:00 pm – Reptiles in Winter: Where do all the reptiles go in winter? Learn how reptiles spend the chilly months in New England and enjoy some hands-on exploration and activities.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Free. Ages: All.

Winter Wildlife on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
Two Dates Offered
December 4, 2021 & March 2, 2022; 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Join an all-day adventure exploring beautiful Prudence Island! Come observe harbor seals, which are often hauled out on rocks just offshore, and a variety of waterfowl that inhabit the protected coves and ponds of Prudence. Expect to see grebes, eiders, mergansers, loons and much more. Explore of a variety of habitats including pine barrens, fields, salt marshes, and rocky shorelines. Advance registration is required, space is limited.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $18 nonmember adult/ $9 nonmember child. Ages: All. For more information on Prudence Island programs and to register online, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org

Natural Lip Balm Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 5, 2021; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist and herbalist and learn how to create lip balm! Use natural ingredients such as bee’s wax, shea butter, olive oil and honey. Discover different recipes and how to adjust them to create larger amounts of lip balm for gift giving. Each participant will take home a 1 ½ oz tin of lip balm. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $22/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Let's Take a Walk! Looking Around in Nature
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 7, 2021; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Play nature detective at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge on a late autumn morning! Come search for animals and plants in late fall, a great time to explore the landscape when forests and fields have changed for the winter months. This is a family program for ages 3+.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI. Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. No charge for accompanying adults. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Owls of New England: Audubon Lecture
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 9, 2021; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
There are several amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own back yard! Take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their remarkable adaptations, and meet a live owl. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; December 9, 2021; 6:30-8:00 pm; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 9 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Ducks and Waterfowl ID Class
Virtual Program
December 9, 2021; 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Join Audubon naturalist and expert birder Laura Carberry for an online course to learn how to identify ducks and other waterfowl in the Rhode Island area. Laura will share tips on bird identification and suggestions on the best places to find them. This is a great class to pair with the Winter Birding Van Trip program, where Laura will help you identify waterfowl out in coastal habitats.
Virtual Program. Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Winter Birding Van Trip: Waterfowl and Seabirds at the Shore
Locations Across Rhode Island
December 11, 2021; 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join Audubon for a van trip to Rhode Island's coastal habitats and ponds in search of winter waterfowl and seabirds. Stop at different birding hot spots to search for a variety of waterfowl including Barrow's Golden-eye, Canvasback, Common Eider and more. We'll be visiting beautiful coastal locations such as Trustom Pond, Point Judith, Quonochontaug Pond and more. Please bring a lunch and optics. Dress for the weather.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $64/members; $80/non-members. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Winter Fairy Decorations
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 11, 2021; 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Join Audubon for fun holiday crafting! Come create a unique fairy scene inside of an air plant hanger. Great for a tree decoration or just to display in your home. All materials will be supplied but feel free to bring any special items you have. Light refreshments and seasonal beverages will be provided.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Natural Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 12, 2021; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Do you enjoy creating your own jewelry? Join a unique workshop on how to create beautiful pieces of jewelry from materials found on the wildlife refuge! This in-person workshop will be led by an Audubon naturalist with instruction by jewelry maker Alex Waugh. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own special finds to include in your jewelry pieces (seeds, rocks, wood, etc.)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Painting with Paper
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 12, 2021; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Galen Snow, the artist behind the Audubon gallery exhibit, For the Love of Nature, Paper Montage Artistry, is offering a "Painting with Paper" workshop. Use a supplied canvas board to design a simple layered paper background with a holiday theme, either poinsettia or holly with berries. All supplies are provided, and Galen will instruct how to tear/cut the papers into shape & texture, using light and color to create a personal paper montage.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Owl Prowl at Fort Wildlife Refuge
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
December 16, 2021 & January 13, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Visit Fort Wildlife Refuge on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through the forest. We never know if we'll hear or see an owl, but participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Sea Glass Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 18, 2021 & February 12, 2022; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Come design and create a beautiful pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! This class fills quickly, advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org

Wildlife Wreath Making with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 18, 2021; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Audubon to make a winter wreath that is both beautiful and attractive (and edible to birds and other wildlife!) Using wire or straw wreath bases, add greens, dried flowers, seed heads, leaves, fruit, and nuts to entice our feathered friends to visit. All items will dry nicely if you prefer to keep the wreath for purely decorative purposes. Each participant will make one wreath. All materials will be provided. Participants may choose to bring their own needle nose pliers or wire snips. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: Other; $35/member; $45/non-member Other. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org

Full Moon Hike
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 18, 2021, & February 16, 2022; 4:30-6:30 pm
Watch and listen for wildlife while enjoying a peaceful night hike under a full moon. Dress for cold weather and wear warm boots. Bring a flashlight. Warm refreshments will be served.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org

Prowl for Owls at Caratunk
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 29, 2021, & January 28, February 25, 2022; 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Visit Caratunk Wildlife Refuge on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through mixed and pine woods. While we never know if we'll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Audubon December School Vacation Week
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 27 - 30, 2021; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm*
Don't know what to do with the family during the school vacation break? Audubon is the solution! Join winter fun for all ages. Special programs and activities are available each day and are free with admission. (Note that space may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.)

Take-home nature crafts will be available each day, as well as a nature story at 10:00 am, and animal interviews at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. Special programs for children ages 6 and up are available each day at 1:00 pm. Registration is encouraged for these programs, as space is limited.
Monday, December 27, 2021: Hibernation, Migration, and More
Discover how different animals survive the winter.
Tuesday, December 28, 2021: Owl Pellet Dissection
Learn how owls hunt, then use simple and safe tools to take apart an owl pellet. Identify the bones inside and discover what your owl ate!
Wednesday, December 29, 2021: Cartooning
Drawing Lessons with illustrator and cartoonist Jerry Shippee. Registration required.
Thursday, December 30, 2021: Winter Nature Hike
Bundle up for an invigorating walk on our trails before ringing in the New Year! Weather dependent.

*Note: The Nature Center and Aquarium will close at 12:00 p.m. on December 31, 2021.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; December 27, 28, 29, 30, 2021 10:00 am-3:00 pm; Free with Admission; Ages: All.

Cartooning with Jerry Shippee
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 29, 2021; 1:00 – 1:45 pm
Bring the kids and learn to cartoon in a special program led by Jerry Shippee, the artist and author of Audubon's coloring book. Participants will create three bird cartoons that will entertain friends and family! Program for ages 8 and up.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 8 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

For the Love of Nature
Paper Montage Artistry by Galen Snow
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through December 27, 2021; 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Artist Galen Snow’s paper montage paintings have evolved over her nine years working in the medium. Her attention to detail and realistic, yet abstract interpretations of birds, flowers and landscapes are created over many hours of work in her studio. By cutting, tearing, and gluing of fine papers, she uses shape, color and texture to re-create moments she has experienced in nature. Galen’s Show will open the first of November.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; 9:30 am-4:30 pm; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Share!
Truly local news delivered to every home in town